Erling Haaland may be the spearhead of Manchester City’s dominance, but the Norwegian striker has revealed that his path to the top was paved by watching two of Manchester United’s most clinical finishers.
In a candid interview with TNT Sports, the man who has netted an incredible 153 goals in 184 appearances for City admitted that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robin van Persie were key influences during his formative years.
The Left-Footed Inspiration: Robin van Persie
While Haaland’s City connection is deep thanks to his father Alf-Inge the striker couldn’t help but admire the quality across the city divide.
“I watched Zlatan a lot when I was young,” Haaland explained. “Then there was also Robin [van Persie] in the Premier League. He was also left-footed, with crazy finishes. I remember that season he had at Arsenal [and United]… that was incredible.”
Studying the Greats: From Aguero to Vardy
Haaland’s game is a “mosaic” of the best strikers in Premier League history. Beyond the United legends, he highlighted three other names that defined his style:
- Sergio Aguero: Naturally, the City legend was a primary reference for Haaland’s positioning in the box.
- Jamie Vardy: Haaland praised Vardy’s “amazing” runs in behind, a trait he has mastered to stretch defenders and create space for teammates like Phil Foden.
- Thierry Henry: The Norwegian also admitted to taking “small things” from the Arsenal icon’s finishing repertoire.
The Haaland Blueprint: “I Don’t Always Need the Ball”
Despite his staggering goal count already at 29 goals this season Haaland insists his contribution goes beyond just putting the ball in the net.
“By always doing the runs, I don’t need to get the ball. I normally don’t get it, but against Galatasaray I got it, and it’s a goal. It’s about stretching defenders to make space.”
While he has studied the masters, Haaland’s conclusion is simple: “You then kind of go your own way. I’ve always wanted to become better, but I also just wanted to enjoy playing football.”
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
